The cost of surgical treatment of scoliosis in South Korea typically ranges from $13,600 to $60,000. Prices depend on the type of surgery (posterior spinal fusion, anterior fusion, or minimally invasive), the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the spinal curvature. In the United States, the average cost is $115,000 (according to SRS). This means scoliosis surgery in South Korea is about 68% less than in the U.S.
South Korean hospitals usually include pre-op diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization (5–10 days), spinal implants (titanium rods, screws), post-op medications, and follow-up visits in their price. In the U.S., hospital stay, implants, anesthesia, and aftercare are often billed separately from the surgeon’s fee. Always confirm exactly what’s included with your chosen clinic.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for surgical treatment of scoliosis?
Access advanced Surgical treatment of scoliosis solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Surgical treatment of scoliosis | from $13,568 | from $15,380 | from $45,000 |
| Conservative treatment of scoliosis | from $500 | from $1,500 | from $3,500 |
| Scoliosis surgery | - | from $31,550 | - |
| ApiFix system implantation | - | from $13,000 | from $25,000 |
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad MawloodDay 1: Arrival
Day 2: Pre-Operation
Day 3: Surgery
Day 4 to Day 10: Post-Operation
Week 2 to Week 6: Rehabilitation
Week 7: Return to work/school
Week 12: Return to sports and other activities
Week 24: Final Result
Please note that each case is individual and the timeline may vary based on the patient"s health condition and recovery speed.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
Currency | South Korean Won (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | April, May & June or September, October & November. |
Language | Korean (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | none required for stays under 90 days or less |
Time difference with Europe | 9 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 9 hours |
Capital | Seoul |
Medical tourism center | Seoul |
Popular resorts | Gangwon-do, Gyeongju, Boseong, Jeju |
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Korean government. The Korean authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 1 billion a year for medical tourists attraction.
According to Mark Britnell, hospitals dominate the health system. 94% of hospitals are privately owned.
In South Korea, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Today, South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 states. None visa is required for stays under 90 days or less. To stay longer in this country, you need a visa. What states need a visa for treatment in South Korea and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to South Korea require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
According to ASPS statistics, 17.7 mln cosmetic surgeries and 5.8 mln reconstructive procedures have been performed in 2018. Among cosmetic procedures the most popular are:
Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.